Can a power of attorney for personal care cover decisions for my minor children?

No. A power of attorney for personal care in Ontario only authorizes someone to make decisions about your own personal care — it does not extend to your children or anyone else in your care.

If you want someone to be able to make decisions for your minor children if you are incapacitated, you need different legal arrangements. For short-term or temporary situations — for example, if you are hospitalized briefly — you can sign a temporary consent form or a written authorization for another adult (such as a grandparent or family friend) to make decisions about your children's day-to-day care, medical treatment, and school matters. These temporary authorizations should be clear about their scope and duration.

For longer-term incapacity or if you die, guardianship of the children can be appointed through your will or through a court process. Ontario's Children's Law Reform Act governs guardianship of the person for minors.

This means that a complete plan for parents of minor children includes: a power of attorney for personal care (for your own health decisions), a power of attorney for property (for your own finances), and a will that names a guardian for your children. If all three documents are in place, the people you trust will be empowered to act in both your interest and your children's interest without court delay.